10 Minute Dog Collar

by chandra.nalaani

8.1K5814

Intro: 10 Minute Dog Collar

Don't feel like spending $60 for a custom dog collar? Make one for free—in less time than it takes to finish a cup of coffee.

STEP 1: Gather Supplies

What you'll need:
  • Dog
  • Old belt
    • The kind with extra holes all the way to the end will be fastest, but if you choose a different kind, all you have to do is add more holes where they need to be.
    • Most belts have a relatively standard width and buckle size that's more appropriate for medium or large dogs, but there are thinner ones out there that would work for the little ones.
    • You'll want to make sure the one you choose doesn't have a buckle with sharp edges, and that it's not bulky enough to cause any discomfort.
    • The metal loop that the end of the belt tucks into should be thin enough to accommodate the snap hook of your leash, but strong enough that it won't come loose if your dog pulls. If it's too snug for free movement, you should be able to get something (like a small carabiner) at a hardware store for a dollar.
  • Sharpie, marker or pen
    • To show where you need to cut.
  • Scissors
    • For cutting it to size.
  • Leatherman or pair of pliers (optional)
    • For reattaching the tip. Not necessary if you choose a different kind of belt, or like it better without anything at the end.

STEP 2: Put It On

If you chose something that doesn't have pre-made holes extending all the way to the end, this is where you'll need to check, mark, and make the holes in order to put it on.

Otherwise, just slip it on as if you were putting on a standard collar.

STEP 3: Make the Mark

Make sure there's a little leeway so you can adjust it (either way) if you need to, then mark where you're going to cut.

Note: You should always be able to fit two fingers comfortably between the collar and your dog.

STEP 4: Make the Cut

Cut where you made the mark.

STEP 5: Remove the End Piece (or Not)

If you chose the kind of belt shown here, you can remove the end piece from the other part of the belt - using a Leatherman, screwdriver, or pliers - to reattach it to the collar later, but unless it's a material that frays or unravels easily, it's not really necessary.

Feel free to skip this step, or come up with your own way of finishing the tip.

STEP 6: Attach the End Piece (or Not)

Attach the end piece to the new end of the collar.

Or skip this step/insert your own here.

STEP 7: Take Lots of Pictures of Your Dog Being Cute

...but don't show them to everyone - all the time - because no one cares nearly as much as you do. Shocking, I know. How could they not, right? Look at that face.


14 Comments

kelsodog 13 years ago

that's one cool idea

WhyHello 13 years ago

i actully wanted a belt like that hehe

chandra.nalaani 13 years ago

Isn't she? ;) You can tell from the second photo she thought we were going to do something *fun!*... The rest is her waiting patiently for that "fun" thing to happen.

Doggie Stylish 13 years ago

Awesome 'ible for upcycling a belt!! I'll post this on the DIY section of my website.

omnibot 13 years ago

Cute, but how do you connect a leach and is it really safe for the dog with those fasteners? Good job!

Sam Cook 13 years ago

Look at the second photo in the last step, it shows how the leash is conneced. And the fasteners are smooth on both sides so there should be no injury to the dog.

chandra.nalaani 13 years ago

Hi Omnibot - see Step 1 re: choosing materials, then the second Step 7 photo. Like other collars, the fasteners only move outward (away from the dog). I'm pretty sure the only way it could possibly hurt her is if I left it on the ground and she ate it. If you're worried, you could just sew another piece of thick fabric or leather to the back. I usually alternate between the Gentle leader - http://www.buygentleleader.com/View.aspx?page=dogs/products/behavior/gentleleader/description - and the Sensible Harness - http://www.softouchconcepts.com/ - for the actual mechanics of walking, so in my dog's case, it's more for attaching her tags, but I can easily attach the leash there if I need to.

Sam Cook 13 years ago

Great idea, but it looks like you have it on one notch too tight but it might just be the photo.

chandra.nalaani 13 years ago

Thanks - I actually left a little too much room at the end, which makes it look tighter (it's not - she's cozy). I might make another cut to shorten it.